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I'm annoyed that the writing here was so poor, since the subject matter was so necessary in mainstream literature. The preface by Stan Lee was a humorless twist, since many of the superheroes depicted were blatant analogs of the classic DC Comics starting lineup.

Loved the premise, loved some of the characters (especially Ruth, who breaks every superhero stereotype it is possible to break). The writing and the plot were decent but not memorable. There were some plot threads never resolved, which always frustrates me. It was great to have a gay aspiring superhero as the main character, though. ( )

A story about a teenaged boy learning about himself and his family. During this confusing time, he is overwhelmed by an invitation to try out for the league of superheroes.

The striking similarity to Superman made this story predictable. The introduction by Stan Lee gave me high hopes. In the end, I was left wondering why Stan Lee endorsed a story without any originality. ( )

This is a great YA book with a gay hero. In more than one sense of the word, the main character, Thom, has to grow up in this story.

There are secrets that need solving on a personal level (his powers and how to deal with his sexual orientation), with his family (both his mother and his father have something to hide, it seems), and society at large (what exactly DID happen at the Wilson Towers all those years ago?). I liked the pacing and the tone of voice, which were both appropriate to how a teenager sees the world. I liked the plot twists and the tension, as well as the group of "misfits" Thom hangs out with. Not to forget the parody and humor around the author's interpretation of the world of superheros.

Entertaining YA tale about a teenage boy whose father is a disgraced superhero. Thom is keeping many secrets from his father. He's realized he can heal people with a touch of his hands. He's just been invited to tryouts for the League of Heroes, the same organization that disowned his father. And he's gay. The writing and development of the characters could have used a little work, but the story was imaginative and entertaining, was easy and fast to read. Recommended for teenagers, especially those who enjoy superhero comic books. ( )

I never thought I'd have a story worth telling, at least not one about me.

Quotations

Everyone in the world should have at least one moment in their lifetime when an entire crowd of people cheers them on for something, one moment to feel exceptional, one moment that lets you know you really do mean something in the universe.

I thought about how she’d felt the need to explain to me what colored meant because people didn’t use the term anymore. I wondered if the same thing would happen one day to faggot.

Wikipedia in English (2)

Thom Creed is used to being on his own. Even though he's a basketball star, his classmates keep their distance. They pick up on something different about Thom. Plus, he can't escape his father's history. Hal Creed had been one of the greatest and most beloved superheroes of his time, until a catastrophic event left him disfigured and a pariah - and led to the disappearance of Thom's mother.

The last thing in the world Thom wants is to add to his father's pain, so he keeps secrets. Like that he has special powers. And that he's been asked to join the League - the very organization of superheroes that disowned Hal. The most painful secret of all is one Thom can barely face himself, much less admit to anyone else. To make matters worse, he knows someone's been following him. Someone who now knows everything.

But joining the League opens up a new world to Thom. There, he connects with a misfit group of aspiring heroes, including Scarlett, who can control fire but not her anger; Typhoid Larry, who can make anyone sick with his touch; and Ruth, a wise old broad who can see the future. Like Thom, these heroes have things to hide; but they have to learn to trust one another when they uncover a deadly conspiracy within the League.

To survive, Thom will have to face challenges he never imagined. To find happiness, he'll have to come to terms with his father's past and discover the kind of hero he really wants to be. This groundbreaking novel tells an unforgettable story of love, loss, and redemption.

Haiku summary

▾Book descriptions

No descriptions found.

▾Library descriptions

Thom Creed, the gay son of a disowned superhero, finds that he, too, has special powers and is asked to join the very League that rejected his father, and it is there that Thom finds other misfits whom he can finally trust.